What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Buffalo Chiropractic & Physical Therapy is lucky enough to be able to provide both chiropractic and physical therapy services to the WNY community. Chiropractors are specialists of the spine, helping people without drugs or surgery, known as conservative care. But what does a physical therapist do? Physical therapy is another form of conservative care that can help with many of the same, as well as different injuries and conditions as a Chiropractor. Please see our prior blog explaining the difference between both professions.

What Can a Physical Therapist Treat?

Technically, the short answer to that is almost anything musculoskeletal related! If you have pain in your knee, or arthritis in your wrist, physical therapy can help. If you broke your big toe, or just had surgery on your shoulder, physical therapy is probably your next step! BUT, that doesn't mean to just start calling up your local physical therapist for every little injury. In New York State, a physical therapist can only treat with a referral or a script from a doctor (physician or physician assistant) nurse practitioner, podiatrist, dentist or midwife) unless a physical therapist has three years of experience. If the physical therapist has 3 years experience, they may begin a physical therapy program without a referral/prescription for 10 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first. After 10 visits or 30 days, if more therapy is required, you will need to be evaluated by a medical provider. However, if you are considering physical therapy as a treatment option, and happen to be consulting your medical provider, obtaining a prescription from them at that time will make the process easier for everyone.

Physical Therapy with BC + PT

Here at Buffalo Chiropractic and Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are trained healthcare professionals who provide physical therapy to patients of all ages and across a wide range of conditions. We help individuals recover, improve, or maintain their physical abilities and functional independence. This involves the assessment and treatment of various conditions, as well as setting realistic goals.

If you were in a car accident, injured at work, recently had surgery, suffering from a sports injury, or dealing with the process of aging, it's time to take the next steps in your treatment and your health. If you have been referred for physical therapy, then it is time to give BC + PT a call to set up an appointment and start healing today!